what is an abacus? 

An abacus is a device used for addition and subtraction, and the related operations of multiplication and division.

Answered by Ashish at 9:23 PM on February 27, 2008

and this is a small device which was used in older days as a computer rather the first computer to be used to add or subtract particular values

Answered by Shreshtha at 4:04 PM on February 24, 2008

hi shatakshi, abacus is refers to the flat square slab of masonry that forms the uppermost member or division of the capital of a column

Answered by Saurabh at 12:10 PM on February 20, 2008

well, the term abacus is refers to the flat square slab of masonry that forms the uppermost member or division of the capital of a column, immediately under the architrave. The term is also used to describe a tablet, panel, or compartment in ornamented or mosaic work. The Probert Encyclopaedia.

Answered by Romi at 10:00 PM on February 19, 2008

An abacus (plurals abacuses or abaci), also called a counting frame, is a calculating tool for performing arithmetic processes. Nowadays, abaci are often constructed as a wooden frame with beads sliding on wires, but originally they were beads or stones moved in grooves in sand or on tablets of wood, stone, or metal. The abacus was in use centuries before the adoption of the written modern numeral system and is still widely used by merchants and clerks in China, Japan, Africa, India and elsewhere.

The user of an abacus is called an abacist; he or she slides the beads of the abacus by hand

Answered by sanjiv dhir at 9:34 PM on February 19, 2008

well, At first the term abacus refers to a sand covered table upon which figures were inscribed using a stylus. There is a suspicion that the abacus had a semitic origin. A cuneiform sign among the ruins at Nippur(Shid») resembles its form (a calculating table).

Answered by Uttam at 2:07 PM on February 19, 2008

An abacus is a calculating tool for performing arithmetic processes.

‘Abacus’ is an ancient computing methodology developed in China wherein students learn to solve mathematical problems using a very simple instrument called ‘abacus’. Basic mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are solved by simple movement of beads in this instrument. This helps the student to develop a pictorial representation of the problem in the brain and by regular practice, the brain learns to solve the problem without actual use of any aid including the abacus. The students thereby develop an exciting photographic memory.

THE NEW TREND:
Educational Institutions around the world are today incorporating Abacus in their regular syllabus with the aim of sharpening the basic mathematical skills in students. Extensive research on the subject has consistently proved that regular practice in Abacus results in a more proficient and sharper brain.

TRAIN YOUR BRAIN:
Like any other organ of human body, our brain too needs regular exercising to keep it fit and sharp. But how do we exercise our brain??
Mathematics provides the ideal exercise for our brain. Mathematics is the logical application of mind to tackle a particular problem. More time spent with mathematics would invariably result in a well exercised and a sharper brain. This is simply the reason why a child strong at mathematics is able to tackle other subjects with relative ease.

FUN WITH MATHEMATICS:
But most children fear mathematics and often try to escape from the complexities of problem solving. This is where Abacus comes to aid. Abacus develops speed and accuracy in mathematics using very basic methods. This naturally develops aptitude and liking for Mathematics within a very short period.

Answered by Kannan at 11:57 AM on February 19, 2008

abacus is the first generation computer which was used to perform some mathematical calculation such as add subtraction etc

Answered by Rahul at 10:54 PM on February 17, 2008

An abacus is a calculator used first by the Chinese since about 500 BC, for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as fractions and square root. It consists of a wood frame divided into 2 parts separated by a beam, with an upper deck of 2 rows of beads and a lower deck of 5 rows of beads. There is a series of vertical rods on which wooden beads are allowed to slide freely. Its inventor is unknown. However, the abacus as we know it today did not appear in China until about 1200 A.D.

Answered by yogesh at 12:21 AM on February 17, 2008

an abacus also known as also called a counting frame is accounting machine which is used to count a particular sat of object. This is also the first to known computer

Answered by sharda at 11:49 PM on February 16, 2008